Brian Meldrum and family

John Lawrie Group can trace its origins to the 1930s, when it was a scrap metal merchant. In its present form, the Aberdeen-based company dates from 1983, following a management buyout led by chief executive Meldrum, 59. With offices across the UK and in America, Canada, China and the Middle East, it still handles scrap metal but also trades in new and reusable steel, and works in the decommissioning of oilfields and used equipment. Profits hit a record £4m on £81.4m sales in 2007 on the back of soaring sales to China. Prices have since collapsed, but the company has invested heavily in the decommissioning of North Sea oil rigs. Meldrum has a 78% stake worth £30m.